The Daily Glow: An E-space for Healing and Growth
Neurodivergence: Understanding Autism in Black Girls and Women
Why are black girls and women under-diagnosed with ASD? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often under-diagnosed or left undiagnosed within many Blacks girls and women. The article, Black and Latino Children Are Often Overlooked When It Comes to Autism, identifies that many black and brown families lack the language to adequately express the needs and observed behaviors of their children. Rentz states that, "African-American families tend to arrive at the center with lots of documentation detailing behavior issues from their child's school or social services. With all those official papers sitting in front of them, it's much easier for a counselor to think "behavior disease" rather than 'autism,' says Kelly" (Rentz, 2018). Black children are scrutinized for their behavior and their diagnoses are closely related to misinterpreted behaviors and implicit biases. Let's talk numbers and ASD? Did you know that In 2020, 1 in 36 children aged 8, or about 4 percent of boys and 1 percent of girls, were estimated to have autism, the first time the prevalence for girls has exceeded 1 percent, according to data from the Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Disabilities Monitoring Network The prevalence of autism among White children was lower than among other racial and ethnic groups How Black autistic women and girls are excluded from conversations on resources and research, spotlights Bria Herbert's experience and her journey to obtaining an ASD diagnosis. Herbert was the eldest of four children and shares that these roles "lent a uniquely weighted mantle to Herbert growing up, including more responsibility, higher standards and expectations of success. Academically, it was a rarity for Hubert to not excel." Failure was not an option, and as a result her perfectionist and tailored approach at life, granted her the tools to excel academically, but Herbert identified areas of great deficits, but failed to pinpoint the cause. While many noted that "nothing was wrong with her something was different enough that it caught the attention of her peers and family." Many Black people acknowledge identifiable differences within their social networks, without explicitly naming the "thing." Tik Toker Meccavelli, provides her take on the Autism within the black community, where she utilizes Uncle Pete from Soul Food as a reference. "You know he's special." "They're just quiet, and like to keep to themselves." "They're a thinker, they don't say much." As discussed previously, Black people are able to identify symptoms and behaviors, but lack the language and knowledge, but again, Black Girls, Boys, Men, and Women are now starting to become included in conversations and research surrounding ASD and neurodivergence. Herbert mentions that “other people definitely noticed, but just liked me anyway,” Herbert considered herself :one of the lucky ones" and thanked God that she was a cute child. Which brings up a larger conversation about how pretty privilege and physical presentation contributes to how we treat and interact with those navigating disabilities and disorders. Another statistical fact related to ASD is that 46 percent of autistic children face bullying, according to a 2012 study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. How does Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) shows up in Black girls? Traits of autism in Black girls: Self-sufficiency Reclusion Display of Maturity and independence early Routine driven Attitude or oppositional defiance Repetitive behaviors Overly clean and orderly Hyperlexia and more... Young black girls that are often misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed, are often considered perfect and easy children because of their ability to entertain themselves, mature, and orderly disposition. These same children, if lucky, eventually learn to adapt to the outer world and mask their behaviors and quirks. Many black girls go into adulthood, undiagnosed constantly feeling out of place and different from their peers. Barries to obtaining an ASD diagnosis and why it's important: Embracing difference is critical in fostering acceptance and the welcoming of Autism and neurodivergence within society. Young White boys serve as the comparative measure when exploring research and ideals surrounding ASD. This practice negates the differences and presentations amongst demographics and comparing black girls with autism to white boys with autism is not an effective measure. It's important to identify key experiential aspects of the autistic black girl experience from an intersectional lens to further develop research and practices. Barriers to ASD diagnosis and treatment: Cost Language Bias Limited knowledge and resources While most insurance companies cover testing, related to early intervention and support for children, adults are expected to pay thousands of dollars in assessment fees or spend years waiting for clinical trials and research waitlists that usually offer support at a discounted rate, rather than free. Autism-related testing fees rand from $500 to $5,000, many assessment offers for adults are not covered by insurance. Amanda Seales, shared within her Club Shay Shay interview that she has self-diagnosed with the ASD diagnosis. Many people took to Tik Tok and Twitter (X), expressing that her ASD diagnosis is a crock and without professional backing she's using the diagnosis to excuse what many interpret as oppositional and combative behavior. Dr. Chanda, a licensed Clinical Psychologist, backed Amanda and further supported the need for accessible assessments and shared that she is not opposed to people engaging in research to understand inquisitions surrounding traits and behaviors closely related to a diagnosis or disorder. Dr. Chanda discusses the Amanda Seales situation employing her expertise and opinion to provide context to the full interview and her thoughts on self-diagnosing. Through Warda Farahm, a speech and language therapist, insight into the power of a diagnosis in the context of family is noteworthy. Wanda shares in Autism in Black Girls that "despite being a Speech and Language Therapist who has worked with many autistic children over the years and having my own unique lived experience, medical professionals I have come across have told me that I can not be autistic because I have multiple degrees, run a business, have a big social circle. I am successful by the arbitrary measures that our society imposes on us but to achieve it all I have worn many masks, so I can master my environment." Farahm sought assessments for her children and in seeking out professional assistance, she received a diagnosis for herself. Professionals and many others prior to her decison, assumed that because She was high-achieving and successful, an ASD diagnosis was impossible. Black women are expected to show up as "all of the things", but mentally ill or suffering from a disorder are not on the list. There is power is discovering and obtaining the knowledge and information to name the "thing." Autism and neurdivergence are not limitations, but rather exemplify the power of difference. Herbet, Seales, and Farahm are sparking the a larger and necessary conversation that Black Girls do have Autism, and Autism in Black Girls shows up differently and deserves the necessary attention. Citation: Rentz, C. (2018). Black And Latino Children Are Often Overlooked When It Comes To Autism. NPR.org. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/03/19/587249339/black-and-latino-children-are-often-overlooked-when-it-comes-to-autism Sterzing PR, Shattuck PT, Narendorf SC, Wagner M, Cooper BP. Bullying Involvement and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Prevalence and Correlates of Bullying Involvement Among Adolescents With an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166(11):1058–1064. doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2012.790 Additional Reading: Gilyard, K. (2023, June 7). How Black autistic women and girls are excluded from conversations on resources and research. The 19th. https://19thnews.org/2023/06/black-women-and-girls-autism-data/ Lovelace, T. S., Comis, M. P., Tabb, J. M., & Oshokoya, O. E. (2021). Missing from the Narrative: A Seven-Decade Scoping Review of the Inclusion of Black Autistic Women and Girls in Autism Research. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00654-9 30nine. (2022, December 5). Autism in Black girls - Autistic Girls Network. Autistic Girls Network. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/autism-in-black-girls/ Sterzing, P. R., Shattuck, P. T., Narendorf, S. C., Wagner, M., & Cooper, B. P. (2012). Bullying Involvement and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 166(11), 1058. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2012.790 Autism Speaks. (2022). Autism diagnostic criteria: DSM-5 | Autism speaks. Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-diagnostic-criteria-dsm-5 Disclaimer: The contents of Sincerely Sanguine's (SS) Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the SS Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the SS Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately. SS does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. 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Neurodivergence: Understanding Autism in Black Girls and Women
Why are black girls and women under-diagnosed with ASD? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often under-diagnosed or left undiagnosed within many Blacks girls and women. The article, Black and Latino Children Are...
16 Low Stimulating Shows For The Chronically Overstimulated
Have you ever asked yourself "why do I get overstimulated so easily?" Well, allow us to provide a bit of insight. Overstimulation or sensory overload is defined as "a phenomenon where one feels an overwhelming sense of discomfort in the external environment (or sensory surroundings)" (Source: MedicineNet). Those that are experiencing overstimulated symptoms often feel anxious and a sudden urge to leave the stress causing environment. However, what do you do when you can't leave an environment that is causing feeling of sensory overload? Here are a few tips and suggestions to assist in understanding sensory overload symptoms, sensory overload in adults, as well as how to deal with sensory overload. What to do when overstimulated? Consider the acronym S-O-B-E-R. S: Stop O:Observe B:Breathe E:Explore R:Respond This acronym is utilized within the therapeutic practice of Dialect Behavioral Therapy (DBT). The SOBER acronym is helpful in utilizing mindfulness to reduce symptoms of overstimulation within the moment. First, stop! You don't want to react prematurely due to the internal feelings of discomfort surrounding your overstimulation and sensory overload. Next, observe. What do you notice about your internal and external environments? Babies crying can serve as a major sensory trigger for many, therefore identifying any sensory triggers is important. Following, breath! Breathing is critical when overstimulated symptoms arise. Focus on regulating your breathing. Lastly, respond. Responding verbally is not necessary, but if you feel inclined to share with others your feelings of overstimulation, they can assist and understand. This is also a form of self advocacy, which is important when navigating difficult situations. Ear plugs for sensory overload are also a great tool that you can utilize during moments of overstimulation. Signs of overstimulation in adults and overstimulated symptoms often go unnoticed and undetectable. Therefore it's important to equip yourself with the necessary tools and resources to navigate spaces where overstimulation symptoms may arise. What does overstimulation feel like? Restlessness and irritability Stress, panic, fear An inability to relax Anxiousness Overwhelming sense of discomfort due to external factors How to stop sensory overload and overstimulation? Cleanse your mental pallet and watch these low stimulating shows. We discussed the importance of brain breaks within our recent blog posts and included a low stimulating and relaxing Brain Break playlist to assist. We equipped you with the necessary resources to navigate the outside world and external factors that are overstimulating. However, we also took the time to create a list of shows to watch that are relaxing and low stimulating within your home or space. The bells, whistles, and loud noises of most modern day shows are entertaining to watch, but can be draining and require active participation. Are you truly enjoying the watch, if you're activated with each episode. With an uptake in triggering, violent, and hyper-sexual shows, a brain break not only with our music, but with content that we view is necessary. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions. Low stimulation shows: Little Bear The Berenstain Bears Bluey The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Franklin Reading Rainbow The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross The Golden Girls 227 Between The Lions Nature Documentaries Gilmore Girls Home renovation shows Little Bill Mister Rogers Jeopardy with Alex Trebek
16 Low Stimulating Shows For The Chronically Overstimulated
Have you ever asked yourself "why do I get overstimulated so easily?" Well, allow us to provide a bit of insight. Overstimulation or sensory overload is defined as "a phenomenon...
For the Gyrls who've considered lashing out, when the talking was just TOO much!
Enough is enough! "STFU" is what we really want to say after lingering in spaces past our social battery. The worst is when you're in a space and no one is talking to you directly, but the noise from the voices and background sounds makes you want to scream. Overstimulation in public is not fun, and can often feel unescapable. However, we're here to help! This blog post is for the gryls who've considered lashing out, when the talking was just too much! See what we did there?
For the Gyrls who've considered lashing out, when the talking was just TOO much!
Enough is enough! "STFU" is what we really want to say after lingering in spaces past our social battery. The worst is when you're in a space and no one is talking...